Nottingham Forest told exactly why they must sign 'tremendous' Nicolas Tagliafico by Erik ten Hag
Nottingham Forest should be encouraged by Erik ten Hag's previous quotes on Nicolas Tagliafico as they eye a move for his services.
Oliver Glasner wants to add some quality to his defensive ranks this summer after taking over at Nottingham Forest.
The Reds were leaky at the back under several different managers last season, and cannot afford to be embroiled in another relegation battle in the coming campaign.
New reports have claimed that Tagliafico is a target for the new Forest boss, with talks underway between the club and his representatives.
The Lyon defender has impressed at the World Cup with Argentina this summer, and was one of the few to emerge with credit from their final defeat to Spain on Sunday.
While many Reds fans will already be aware of his experience and quality, former Man United manager Ten Hag has previously given a deeper insight into his professional attitude and desire to win.
Erik ten Hag thinks Nicolas Tagliafico is a 'brilliant person'
Tagliafico spent four-and-a-half years at Ajax between 2018 and 2022, as he became one of Ten Hag's first signings following his appointment in December 2017.
He established himself as a regular at left-back under the Dutchman, helping Ajax win three Eredivisie titles and two KNVB Cups before he left for Lyon in 2022.
Tagliafico's exit was preceded by Ten Hag agreeing to join Man United in April 2022, and he reserved a special mention for the left-back upon leaving the Dutch giants at the end of the campaign.
Speaking to Voetbal Primeur, he said: "He wasn’t a regular starter for a while, but you can see that the depth of the squad ultimately helped us win the title. Nico has a great character and never complains. Of course, he was unhappy when he wasn’t playing, but he always gave one hundred per cent in training.
"When it mattered, he was there, he fought for Ajax and he delivered quality. In doing so, he made a huge contribution to winning the league title. Let me just mention the decisive cross in the match against Feyenoord.
"I think he’s such a brilliant person. He’s a great guy, but he’s also made a tremendous contribution as a footballer. From the very start of my time here right through to the end, he’s been there. I’m incredibly grateful to him for our collaboration, but also for what he’s achieved on behalf of Ajax."
Tagliafico would clearly be a shrewd addition to Forest's ranks this summer, as aside from being a quality player, he clearly has the right mindset to help them improve under Glasner next season.
How did Argentine media rate Tagliafico against Spain?
Tagliafico would likely want to be a regular starter for Forest, so links to his services add fuel to rumours around Neco Williams' future, after sources told Football Insider that Newcastle have joined the race for the Welsh defender.
The 33-year-old put in a strong performance in the World Cup final, as he largely kept Lamine Yamal quiet and won the majority of his duels.
Argentine outlet La Pagina Millionaria praised him after the clash, saying: "One of the best. He neutralised Lamine Yamal and didn’t have to work too hard. On a few occasions he was put under pressure, but on others he responded well. He didn’t get involved in the attack, like the rest of the team. A very tidy performance from the full-back. He finished the match on one leg."
While TYC Sports said: "He was up against a very tough opponent: Yamal. And he was hardly ever troubled, apart from the odd tentative run by the young Barcelona star, who was just another player in this World Cup.
"Taglia, superb in defence, worked in tandem with Nico Gonzalez to prevent Porro’s runs from creating a ‘two-on-one’ situation in the first half. Spain lost a key attacking threat thanks to the tireless and selfless efforts of this absolute mainstay of the Argentine team."